The NBA of today changes swiftly. Even though the Denver Nuggets were the best team in the NBA just two years prior, they might use some more strength after falling to the Orlando Magic in the second round and losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Superstar center Nikola Jokic, who is quietly pushing for a trade including Russell Westbrook, is the only one who truly understands this, according to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.
Wind stated, “I’ve been informed that Nikola Jokić has been working behind the scenes to get Westbrook to Denver.” Nikola Jokić reportedly wants Westbrook to be in Denver. He’s eager to engage in play. He has shown a desire to play with him previously.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook chose to accept his $4 million player option with Los Angeles, although the team is still trying to trade him.
Charania tweeted, “Sources say the Clippers are actively working on trades to move on from Russell Westbrook.”
How much may Denver benefit from the former MVP? How much would it take to trade him for him?
Westbrook would significantly enhance the second unit of the Nuggets.
It’s time for Denver to get another important bench player after losing both Bruce Brown and Caldwell-Pope in recent years. Justin Holiday, Reggie Jackson, and Christian Braun combined for an average of just 11.5 points per game last season, which is insufficient to compete with the elite players in the West.
In contrast, Westbrook played 22.5 minutes a night last season and averaged 11.1 points on 45.4% shooting, five rebounds, and 4.5 assists. There is still enough fuel left in the 35-year-old’s tank to make him a trustworthy sixth man.
The Nuggets also possess the resources necessary to complete a possible transaction. In addition to second-round selections in 2025, 2026, 2029, 2030, and 2031, the organization possesses first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2031. It should be sufficient to get “Russ” by giving up a bench player and at least one first-round pick.
Regarding the nine-time All-Star’s suitability for the court, if he does end up in the Mile High City, anticipate him to be Jamal Murray’s backup. With his passion and strong motor, Westbrook’s rim-attacking approach off the bench would counterbalance Murray and Jokic’s two-man tactics. It would be even more exhausting on the defense to have to deal with the former Houston Rocket’s slashing when one of the two stars takes a break, as defending the two stars is already challenging.
The Nuggets must take initiative in any case, particularly in light of Klay Thompson’s recent trade to the Dallas Mavericks. The NBA is currently seeing unprecedented parity, therefore Denver shouldn’t get ahead of themselves just because they recently won a ring.